A NEW PROBLEM.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19447, 22 October 1928, Page 9

A NEW PROBLEM.

ELECTRIFIED CRANE. EXPERTS ESTIMATE RISK. (UJHTED TBXSS ASSOCIATIOK—BT BI«CX»IO TELEGRAPH—COPIWOHT.) (Received October 21st, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 20. There is considerable surprise at the electrification of a builder's crane erected on a high West End building within 120 yards of the Broadcasting Corporation's aerial, which is providing engineers with a new, problem. Experts who investigated the pnenomenon now declare that there is a grave risk of fire in buildings in the vicinity of wireless transmitting stations, because it is evident that they carry a high oscillatory current capable of igniting escaping gas and such like. Furthermore, there is a possibility of deterioration of the bolts and rivets of modern, steel-framed constructions. Experts found that the current was so powerful during broadcasting hours that any one touching the hook of the crane received a burning shock sufficient to raise a blister. Previously, men engaged in loading and unloading in the vicinity of the crane received severe shocks. Subsequent tests showed that the hook was electrified to the extent of 320 volts. In the course of a demonstration, the crane hook lit a 30-inch iron tube, ignited a tin of petrol standing on damp ground, and set afire a hemp sjing.—Australian Press Association.